Bunheads

Title: Bunheads
Author: Sophie Flack
Pages: 294
Language: PG13 (10 swears, 5 "f")
Content: PG13
Level: High School
Recommendation: Optional

Summary:  In a crowd of beautiful ballet dancers, how can one girl stand out?  As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances, and complicated backstage relationships. But when she meets a spontaneous and irresistibly cute musician named Jacob, her universe begins to change.

Until now, Hannah has happily followed the company's unofficial mantra, "Don't think, just dance." But as Jacob opens her eyes to the world beyond the theater, Hannah must decide whether to compete against the other "bunheads" for a star soloist spot or to strike out on her own.

Review: Where 'Bunheads' really shines is in setting the scene for Hannah and her world. Flack brings a professional eye to the story, showing us a world filled both with grueling monotony and moments of wonder found on the stage. This book reminds readers of the stamina and strength that makes every ballet look effortless on stage. 'Bunheads' is a beautiful example of the bravery it takes to dedicate years to a specific plan only to choose a completely different path leading into uncharted territory. A good read for anyone trying to strike out on their own--even if they don't know exactly where they will be striking just yet.

Withering Tights

Title: Withering Tights
Author: Louise Rennison
Pages: 304
Language: PG
Content: PG/PG13
Level: Upper Middle/High School
Reccomendation: Optional

Summary:  Wow. This is it. This is me growing up. On my own, going to Performing Arts College. This is good-bye, Tallulah, you long, gangly thing, and helloooooo, Lullah, star of stage.

Tallulah Casey is ready to find her inner artist. And some new mates. And maybe a boy or two or three. She's bound for a performing arts program in the wilds of the Yorkshire Dales—eerily similar to the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights.

Acting? Tights? Moors? Check, check, check.  Louise Rennison returns with her trademark wit, a hilarious new cast, and a heroine who is poised to discover plenty of opportunities for (mis)adventure!

Review: I haven't read the other series by Louise Rennison, but I had heard that this was as "hilarious" as her other series was.  Maybe I just don't get British humor, as I didn't find it as funny as the reviews had said it was going to, but I had to keep reading...kind of like the quote in the book, "Watching you is like watching someone whose pants are on fire.  Stragely fascinating, keep it up".    This book is truly light reading. It is full of nonsensical ramblings from the mind of 14-year-old Tallulah, most of it over the top. There was very little plot around Tallulah and how she interacts with friends and local boys.  Her obsession with her small "corkers" and knobby knees got very old and I have to wonder if all 14 year old girls are that obsessed with their bodies.